If you have ever been out within the desert with a few quads, side-by-sides, or ATCs, then you definitely’re conscious of why I might point out a mound-crushing automobile from way back to the Nineteen Seventies. Best of all, the Dunce Cat earlier than us at present is up for grabs.
That’s as a result of the machine earlier than us at present is presently up for grabs and in absolutely functioning order, having only recently obtained a brand new torque converter, drive chain, sprocket, entrance wheels and tires, and mechanical disc brakes. Clearly, the tires have been changed too. Oh, and if I do say so myself, on the time of writing, this puppy was provided at not more than $950 (€880 at present change charges). You will, nonetheless, have to journey all the way down to Missouri to select it up and full the sale.
To get an thought of what is up for grabs right here, we have to journey again in time over 50 years, when Muskin was nonetheless round. Well, I attempted to seek out data on this producer, however it might appear that sources say little or no, solely that they have been round till 1974; you possibly can style their legacy, probably the explanation why they don’t seem to be round anymore. Class-action lawsuits and low gross sales have been the primary hurdles.
Photo: Sethb
So, what are we shopping for? According to the public sale itemizing on Bring a Trailer and a few particulars dug up by our autoevolution’s personal Benny Kirk, what we’re is nothing greater than a mini dune buggy constructed upon a metal body and fiberglass physique which even the seat is molded into. A few cutouts the place the pedals come out, and a steering wheel column later, the Dune cat is principally prepared; what seatbelts?
As for the unit earlier than us at present, I’ll be trustworthy: This factor seems fairly dang recent, particularly contemplating it has been almost 50 years because it was constructed. But it isn’t excellent. Here and there, primarily the place the chassis and fiberglass physique meet, some cracking is seen.
Apparently, the motor is not authentic both and has since been changed with a 6.5 hp 212 cc Predator OHV with pull-start and all linked up with chain drive. The authentic motors appear to have had much less energy, solely 5 hp, however nonetheless greater than sufficient to hit a high pace of 30 mph (64 kph) whereas out on the dunes, based on the brochures the Cats got here with. Neatly sufficient, Sethb, this itemizing’s proprietor, has additionally added a few movies with the motor in motion and a full walk-around.
Photo: Sethb
The query is: What objective may this factor nonetheless feed as of late? Well, that each one relies on your thought of enjoyable. For instance, this itemizing is up for an additional 5 days (on the time of writing), and if you wish to rekindle a little bit of your childhood, assuming you are at the very least 50 years old, then hold this one in your browser. Then once more, I’m 36 years old, and by the point I’m 50, there isn’t any romping round on sand dunes for me.
But, should you’ve acquired youngsters, then this Dune Cat is bound to provide them a style of the form of autos you’ll have grown up with. Think about that for a second. If you are studying this textual content, the possibilities that you simply’re into the entire off-road and free-wheeling way of life, as I wish to name it, are fairly good, and to share that freedom together with your progenies is one thing that’s certain to convey a smile to your loved ones’s faces.
Photo: Sethb
Just bear in mind what you are shopping for: a automobile that principally has no conception of a security function. This signifies that your child ought to take issues straightforward at first till they get the cling of issues as a result of, actually, I do not see how you possibly can ever add something like a roll cage to this, to not point out seat belts.
Now, it isn’t each day {that a} deal like this comes up, and for the present bid worth at which this factor is, it comes throughout as one hell of a birthday present. Maybe, you decide it up for your self, repair it up somewhat bit, throw in a much bigger, stronger motor if the development holds, and it is off to experience across the native woods, desert yard, or downright dunes; this bugger’s pure habitat. You may even be capable to do one thing wild like copying what you see, reconfiguring it to fashionable requirements, and beginning a whole business. Hey, I’m simply the messenger right here, and the fun you can rekindle with that is simply too good to go up.
